Alpha's Regret: Losing His True Mate

Chapter 223

Jimmy, whose job kept him busy most of the time, typically didn’t reply quickly.

But since he was on vacation today, he responded almost immediately.

"No, they didn’t know each other before that. Why do you ask?"

Rex quickly typed out what he’d observed earlier, about Jordan’s warmth toward Elodie, the familiarity in their exchange, the way she’d called him "Uncle Hall" without hesitation.

Jimmy’s reply came a moment later.

"My father and grandfather have a good impression of Elodie and her grandmother. It probably has something to do with that."

Rex frowned at the screen.

Even if Jordan had a good impression of her, wasn’t it a bit much to be so familiar with someone he’d only met once?

But since Jimmy said so, Rex decided not to push it further.

He pocketed his phone and went back to his meal.

---

The weather forecast had predicted rain in the afternoon, with a chance of snow.

Before the meal was even over, Elodie noticed that it had started raining outside. Light at first, then heavier.

After lunch, Jordan and the other officials continued their discussions with the business representatives, reviewing last year’s performance, outlining this year’s development plans.

Once Jordan and the others had thanked the companies for their contributions to the city’s economy, the meeting officially came to an end.

Everyone stood, exchanged handshakes, and began preparing to leave.

When Dante shook Jordan’s hand, Jordan glanced past him and spoke directly to Elodie.

"It’s really cold today, and I heard there’s black ice on some of the roads. Be careful when you’re driving."

Elodie nodded politely. "I will. Thank you, Uncle Hall."

Jordan smiled warmly, gave her a brief nod, and turned back to the others.

---

Elodie, Dante, and the other business representatives made their way out of the building and toward the parking lot.

The rain was coming down steadily now, cold and sharp. Elodie pulled her coat tighter around herself and kept her eyes forward.

Then Dante stepped up beside her.

"It’s hard to walk in high heels in this weather," he said, his tone calm and conversational. "Be careful."

Elodie’s jaw tightened.

He’d said it loud enough for everyone around them to hear.

She couldn’t ignore him. Not in front of all these people.

So she responded coolly, "Thank you, Mr. Wilson. I’ll be careful."

But even as she said it, something flickered in her mind.

A memory.

Last year at the tech conference. They’d gone to dinner together, and she’d slipped on the way out. Her heel had caught on something, and she’d stumbled.

He’d been right there.

But he hadn’t helped her.

Hadn’t even reached out.

He’d just stood there, watching, making sure no one got the wrong idea.

Making sure it didn’t look like anything personal.

And now?

Now he was speaking to her in front of everyone, his tone warm and familiar, initiating the conversation like it was the most natural thing in the world.

---

The business representatives, including Rex, had overheard the exchange.

Among those present were several people who had also attended that tech conference last year.

Cole had risen to prominence by the end of the year, so Elodie’s reputation in the business circle had grown significantly. Many people now knew about her work. Her skills. Her connection to Johnny.

Of course, many also remembered the incident from the tech conference—when Elodie had "accidentally" slipped and Dante had remained completely indifferent.

Some had whispered about it afterward. Called it embarrassing. Said she’d been trying to flirt with him and he’d shut her down cold.

But now...

Now Dante was the one initiating conversation.

Now he was the one showing concern.

The shift hadn’t gone unnoticed.

Rex’s eyes narrowed slightly as he watched them walk side by side toward the parking lot.

Something had changed.

He just didn’t know what.

If Dante’s concern for Elodie was simply out of politeness, because of the business relationship between Wilson Tech and Cole, then why didn’t he address her as "Miss Miller"?

His tone was too familiar. Too warm. Like he was genuinely concerned.

It felt... ambiguous.

Had Dante, who had once avoided any hint of personal involvement with her, actually been charmed by Elodie?

Rex hadn’t been at the tech conference last year, so he didn’t know about the incident where Elodie had slipped and Dante had barely acknowledged her.

But now, after hearing their exchange, he couldn’t ignore the obvious familiarity between them.

It didn’t seem like a misunderstanding.

It seemed real.

Rex’s jaw tightened as he watched them. His expression turned cold.

He was convinced now. Dante was definitely drawn to Elodie. Maybe even considering an affair.

He glared at them both as they walked side by side toward the parking lot.

---

Knowing it was going to rain, Elodie had brought an umbrella with her.

But the cold wind was sharp and biting, stinging her face as she stepped outside.

The forecast had predicted rain and possibly snow, but she’d assumed that in early February, any snow wouldn’t stick. That the roads wouldn’t be too slippery.

She’d been wrong.

The moment she stepped outside, she realized the pavement was slick with a thin layer of ice.

As she descended the first step, her heel slipped slightly. She caught herself, but her movements became more cautious after that.

People who didn’t know her walked past without issue, their steady footsteps echoing on the wet pavement.

But Dante stayed close beside her. He didn’t leave. Didn’t walk ahead.

Some of the businesspeople who were familiar with Dante exchanged knowing glances with him as they passed.

Rex stopped for a moment, his mouth opening like he was about to say something—

And then it happened.

Elodie’s foot slipped.

She lost her balance completely, her body pitching forward, her arms flailing instinctively to catch herself.

In the blink of an eye, Dante reacted.

He reached out, his arm wrapping securely around her waist, pulling her back before she could hit the ground.

And then, before she could even process what was happening, he swept her off her feet and lifted her into his arms.

Elodie’s face shifted. Her hands pressed against his chest immediately.

"Let me go—"

Dante’s voice was calm. "Hold the umbrella."

Before she could argue, he was already carrying her down the stairs, his steps sure and confident despite the ice beneath his feet.

When they reached the bottom, he turned back toward the group of businesspeople still watching from the top of the stairs.

"I’ll be leaving now," he said smoothly. "Let’s reschedule."

The businesspeople who knew him were visibly stunned.

After all, Elodie’s relationship with Johnny was well-known. If Johnny had trusted her enough to let her represent Cole at a government meeting, their relationship must still be strong.

And Dante had a girlfriend. Everyone knew that.

So even if Dante had developed feelings for Elodie, he should have been more discreet. Especially in front of so many people.

To openly act this way—to carry her in his arms, to dismiss everyone so casually, it felt like a slap in the face to Johnny.

And they all knew Johnny wasn’t someone to cross.

Still, none of them said anything. They just gave awkward smiles and nodded.

"Alright. We’ll set something up next time."

---

With so many people watching, Elodie forced herself to stay calm.

"Thank you, Mr. Wilson," she said, her voice tight but controlled. "Now that we’ve reached the bottom, I can walk on my own—"

But Dante didn’t put her down.

He just kept walking, holding her securely, heading straight toward the parking lot.

Elodie’s hands clenched against his chest.

"Put me down."

Dante didn’t respond.

He just kept walking.

Like he hadn’t heard her at all.